Z32 What should I do?

Discussion in 'Non Technical' started by Senna, Jul 22, 2020.

  1. Senna

    Senna Member

    Hi guys, appreciate the help you guys have given me over the year+ journey ive had with my Z so far. I bought the N/A on my P plates to learn how they work so when i ideally go into a TT i wont wrap myself around a tree. The time has come to upgrade.

    I'm in a bit of a dilemma, I have made this car almost immaculate, resprayed it the original color, re-done most of interior, changed window moulds and t-top moulds, 2k spec tail lights, double din stereo, upgraded speakers you name it, i've done it all.

    So my question is.. Do i sell this and purchase an imported Z with a TT that will most likely need alot of work due to its age like ive done for my current car, or do i engine swap and whatnot in this.

    But what do you guys think, is it worth the hassle of going for an engineering certificate and trying to make everything fit? I think i would also save money by engine swapping instead of restoring a TT

    Thanks IMG_20200626_194942_065.jpg
     
  2. Woo05h

    Woo05h Member

    I could be wrong if the laws changed.
    But shouldn't need to engineer it.
    Because the engine comes out in that car with out any modifications needing to be done.

    I've done it with a ca18de s13 silvia engine conversion to sr20det only needed a blueslip to change numbers really.
    Should just be an adjustment of records blueslip.

    Personally I think just do the engine conversion if you done so much to your z already.
     
  3. Martin Williams

    Martin Williams Well-Known Member

    You dont say what you have done to your engine. If its in great condition and you just want a more performance why not fit turbos to existing engine and run at maximum of 7psi boost. No need for intercoolers etc. Need to do cooling water and oil to turbos and of course exhaust mods. Have turbo boost controlled by separate controller. Eric (God rest his soul) did these mods in a day. Just a thought!
     
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  4. Senna

    Senna Member

    Ok, thats good to hear to be honest. Any idea on how much an engine swap would cost roughly?


    Motor could definitely handle 7 Psi but i think i'de prefer having a motor that is future proofed so if i want more power just crank things up, im sure i'll hit a point where i want more than 7 psi.. awesome idea and i wasn't aware it was possible
     
  5. NI85

    NI85 Active Member

    With more HP/Boost it is easier to find yourself heading to that tree. My TT is far more skittish than the NA.
     
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  6. Martin Williams

    Martin Williams Well-Known Member

    Remember that the NA has a higher compression ratio to start with.
     
  7. beaver

    beaver southern zeds

    If you want more go, sell your car,
    buy a tt. installing a tt motor in the na is a lot more work than you may think.
     
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  8. rob260

    rob260 Administrator Staff Member

    Geoff is on the money. Lots and lots of work converting an NA to a TT. It would be far more economical to sell the car you have (and presumably at a decent price given the condition) and buy a TT.

    If you are intent on doing the conversion buy a complete running TT that you can take bits from as you will need a hell of a lot more than you think.

    Alternatively I am in the process of removing a TT motor from an NA body and refitting a TT motor. So can sell you all the TT bits off that haha. But seriously PM me if you're interested. And more seriously my first recommendation as above is to sell your NA and buy a TT.
     
  9. Senna

    Senna Member

    Hoping that all ive learnt will be enough to prevent that from happening

    That's true, I'll have to consider this

    Thanks guys I know how complex these cars are and im sure you're correct.. but lets say i wanted to pay someone to do the swap, would you guys know how much it would cost?
     
  10. CherryRedZed

    CherryRedZed New Member

    It's hard to say how much it would cost because parts play a huge factor in the price. But you'd be looking at around $5-10k mark excluding the cost of the motor. In my experience there aren't a lot of mechanics that are willing to work on a z to that extent so you may have to look around and find someone you can trust.
     
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  11. Sanouske

    Sanouske Retired Moderator

    Have a tt engine, loom, ecu etc etc coming up for sale shortly.

    My preference was to convert the na we had to a tt. If you have all the goodies for the swap it’s not “that” bad. Provided you know roughly what you’re doing.

    but as mentioned above finding someone who actually has the knowledge to undergo the swap and not cost your three arms and a leg and your unborn first born child. It’s tricky.

    I think differently to some though as I’m not afraid of difficult or tricky work. But I also don’t consider my labor a $$$ amount.

    we sold our Zed within 48hours for the asking price.

    you might find yourself in the same boat if you have a tidy example and sell it for what it’s worth. Any tt Zed you buy will need work. No doubt about it. Unless you’re buying one for 15-20k up front. Then it’s prob looked after.

    I guess where’s your heart truly set. In your car or in your wallet?
     
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  12. Senna

    Senna Member

    Thanks Sanouske, i'm not sure what path i'm going to take.. I love challenges but i don't know enough about taking out and putting in engines, especially the VG30's. I love this car to death but definitely don't want to risk doing something that important, wrong. I'll figure it out when the time comes and i appreciate your comment
     
  13. Sanouske

    Sanouske Retired Moderator

    No stress mate. Good luck with it all
     
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  14. MickW

    MickW Carntry member...

    A TT engine does not a TT make.
     
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  15. jellybeans

    jellybeans Active Member

    looks like you already have the TT front bar. Thats the hardest part done already
     
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  16. MickW

    MickW Carntry member...

    Yep. Now it's time to roll up the sleeves, round up all of your tools, and put that TWIN TURBO badge on the rear panel!

    Senna, ignore me and jellybeans. We're just funning with you. Best way to help you with your decision? Pretend to be shopping and drive a few TT's. Some will go hard but be rough as guts cosmetically, some will look reasonable but be running rough or sub-par. I looked at /drove 9 of them before I settled on THE ONE, 12 years now and I'm still grinning like a lunatic every time I drive it but you need a lot of mechanical skills to keep a 30 year old car viable mate. You won't find many mechanics who'll work on a TT Z32 these days. Where are you located?
     
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  17. Senna

    Senna Member

    I'de be lying if i said the thought hasn't crossed my mind :D

    That's a really good idea, and you're absolutely right that they love to fight back, so far I've done everything myself but I'm sure the TT's are gonna have a few surprises. I don't mind a rough body, that can be fixed easier than changing out the TT motor from what you guys are telling me :eek:

    I live in Sydney, I know there's a few dudes around
     
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  18. jellybeans

    jellybeans Active Member

    First thing i did when i bought my TT was to rip the twin turbo badge off and throw it over the neighbours fence.

    i disagree with the rough body idea if you are planning on fixing it up. Good bodywork and paint is not cheap and it is all cosmetic. you could pump 10-20K into the body and still have oil leaks and electrical issues and a 30 year old motor. id rather buy a car i was happy with as far as condition and then spend money on mechanical.

    just my opinion, not that that is what i did. i bought shit condition with shit mechanicals but i had money to waste, all the tools in the world and a midlife crisis to address. My car is fast and shit. Overall the worst car i have ever owned but i cant bear to sell it, its my friend and i feel sorry for it so i bought it a friend almost as shit. now i have 2 shit 300's.

    Mark at MRCDyno in seven hills is a solid choice for 300zx work. There is always at least 1 there. I like to think i'm special and everybody wants to be my friend but i think the truth is Mark is just a friendly reasonable guy who would give anyone the same service he gave me.
     
  19. Senna

    Senna Member

    Ahaha sorry Jellybeans but i cant help but to laugh, that's the most relatable post ive seen on her, definitely know how you feel, excluding the fast part

    As long as the price reflects the condition of the car, im happy for anything, up for any challenge and unwelcome surprises that im sure are to follow. Ill definitely give Mark a try when the time comes, thanks Jellybeans
     
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  20. jellybeans

    jellybeans Active Member

    i told myself i would not buy a collection of go fast bits bolted to a car by an idiot, i would look at several and buy the best car i could find . Turn up to look at 1st car, dents, rattles, bangs, stinks of fuel, owned by a young kid, no oil on dip stick, funky smell, dodgy looking wiring., uneven idle, shuddering clutch, sticky steering wheel, running 25psi with a pile of receipts for all the work done. A total piece of shit.
    Goes like a rocket with maaaaaaaaaaasive lag. So will you take $10k kid ?
     
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